Optimism Prevails In NHL Labor Talks

NEW YORK — Despite Thursday’s proclamation from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman that the league intends to impose a lockout if a new deal cannot be reached by Sept. 15, both sides expressed optimism Friday that a work stoppage can be avoided.

“I think it’s absolutely possible to get something done with no time missed,” said Winnipeg Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey, who spoke on behalf of the NHL Players’ Association after a fourth consecutive day of negotiations.

Although the league’s statement Thursday left many fearing the possibility of another lengthy work stoppage, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly shared Hainsey’s optimism Friday.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled defenseman Slater Koekkoek from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League today, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced. Koekkoek, 21, has skated in 66 ga